Interlock for a seat recliner mechanism

ABSTRACT

A seat control mechanism for a seat frame has an interlock device that includes a lock plate slidably coupled to a seatback for movement between a locked and a released position. A stop bracket is coupled to a seat bottom and has a first end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seatback is in a full-forward position and a second end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seat back is in a fold-flat position. An actuator moves the lock plate from the locked to the released position to release the lock plate and permit movement of the seatback between the full-forward position and the fold-flat position. The lock plate is biased toward the locked position to engage the ends of the stop bracket to lock the seat back in either the full-forward or the fold-flat position after releasing the actuator.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/673,231, titledInterlock for a Seat Recliner Mechanism, filed on Apr. 20, 2005, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of seat reclinermechanisms for use in vehicles (e.g., automobiles such as cars, trucks,and the like; airplanes, boats, etc.). More specifically, the presentinvention relates to a seat control mechanism having an interlock foruse with a recliner mechanism. Further, the present inventions relatesto an interlock for use with a single-pivot recliner mechanism forlocking a seat back in a full forward position and a traditionallyfold-flat position.

Seat recliner mechanisms for pivoting a seatback relative to a seatbottom are generally known. Such seat recliner mechanisms are oftenmanually adjustable and capable of pivoting a seatback within a seat-userange generally considered to be between a full-reclined position and afull-forward position (e.g. “dump” position to provide access to thevehicle behind the seat). The known seat recliner mechanisms may also becapable of permitting a seatback to be pivoted forward, past thefull-forward position, to a fold-flat position where the seatback isoriented horizontally over the seat bottom (e.g. in a “clamshell”position to provide a platform for cargo storage or the like).Typically, seat recliner mechanisms capable of positioning the seat backin a fold-flat position are of a “multiple pivot axis” type and includea first pivot axis for adjusting the seatback within the seat-use range,and a second pivot axis for adjusting the seat back between the seat-userange and the fold-flat position. However, such multiple pivot axisrecliners tend to be relatively complex, large and complicatedmechanisms having multiple handles or levers for positioning theseatback in the desired location.

Seat recliner mechanisms for use in a fold-flat application may also beprovided with a single pivot axis, about which the seatback isadjustable within the seat use range, and is also movable from the seatuse range to the fold flat position. However, such single-pivot reclinermechanisms typically are not “lockable” in the full-forward position(e.g. to prevent inadvertent “collapse” of the seatback beyond thefull-forward position into a “clamshell” configuration when reclinermechanism is activated) and in the fold-flat position (e.g. to preventinadvertent “lifting” or other unintended movement of the seatback onceit has been placed in the fold-flat position).

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a seat control mechanismhaving an interlock device for use with a recliner mechanism to preventmovement of the seatback beyond a full-forward position duringadjustment of the seatback within the seat-use range. It would also bedesirable to provide an interlock device to prevent movement of theseatback from a fold-flat position after the seat has been moved to thefold-flat position. It would also be desirable to provide an interlockdevice for use with a seat recliner mechanism having a single pivotaxis. It would also be desirable to provide an interlock having anactivation handle that is integrated with an activation handle of theseat recliner mechanism (e.g. a “single” handle). It would also bedesirable to provide an interlock device having a single handle that ismovable within a first range to adjust the seatback within the seat-userange and is movable within a second range to permit movement of theseatback to/from the fold-flat position. It would also be desirable toprovide an interlock device having an interlock activation handle thatis separate from a seat recliner activation handle. It would be furtherdesirable to provide an interlock handle that cooperates with the seatrecliner handle so that activation of the seat recliner handle does notrelease the interlock, and so that activation of the interlock handlereleases the seat recliner mechanism.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a seat control mechanismhaving an interlock for a seat recliner mechanism having any one or moreof these or other advantageous features.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a seat control mechanism includes aninterlock device for use with a seat recliner mechanism on a seat framehaving a seatback pivotally coupled to a seat bottom. The mechanismincludes a lock plate slidably coupled to seatback for movement betweena locked position and a released position. A stop bracket is coupled tothe seat bottom and has a first end engageable with the lock plate inthe locked position when the seatback is in a full-forward position anda second end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position whenthe seat back is in the fold-flat position. An actuator is coupled tothe seat back and is operable to move the lock plate from the lockedposition to the released position to release the lock plate and permitmovement of the seatback between the full-forward position and thefold-flat position. The lock plate is biased toward the locked positionso that the lock plate engages the ends of the stop bracket to lock theseat back in either the full-forward position or the fold-flat positionafter the actuator is released.

According to another embodiment, a seat control mechanism includes aninterlock device for a seat recliner mechanism includes a lock platecoupled to one of a seatback frame and a seat bottom frame and a stopbracket coupled to the other of the seatback frame and a seat bottomframe. An actuator operates to move the lock plate from a lockedposition to a release position so that the seat back is movable betweena full-forward position and a fold-flat position and a biasing devicereturns the lock plate to the locked position when the seat back ismoved to either the full-forward position or the fold-flat position. Theactuator is a single handle configured to move a first distance topermit adjustment of the recliner mechanism and a second distance torelease the lock plate from the stop bracket. The lock plate includes atleast one axial slot configured to guide the lock plate in areciprocating manner between the locked position and the releasedposition.

According to a further embodiment, a seat control mechanism includes aninterlock device for a seat recliner mechanism includes a lock plateslidably mounted to a seatback frame for movement between a lockedposition and a released position. A stop bracket is fixed to a seatbottom frame and includes a first end configured to engage the lockplate in the locked position when the seatback frame is in afull-forward position to prevent movement of the seatback frame in aforward direction. The stop bracket includes a second end configured toengage the lock plate in the locked position when the seatback frame isin a fold-flat position to prevent movement of the seatback frame in areverse direction. A first actuator is coupled to the lock plate and isoperable to move the lock plate toward the released position and isconfigured to activate a second actuator to release the seat retainermechanism. A biasing device is coupled to the lock plate and theseatback frame to urge the lock plate toward the locked position. Thesecond actuator is configured to release the seat retainer mechanismwithout releasing the lock plate so that the seat back frame isadjustable with a seat-use range but is prevented from moving beyond thefull-forward position until the first actuator is activated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic perspective views of a seat frame in areclined position with an interlock for a seat recliner mechanismaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic views of the seat frame and interlock for aseat recliner mechanism of FIG. 1A in a full-forward position accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic elevation view of an interlock for a seat reclinermechanism of FIG. 1A in the full-forward position according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic views of the seat frame and interlock for aseat recliner mechanism of FIG. 1A in a fold-flat position according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic elevation view of the interlock for a seatrecliner mechanism of FIG. 1A in the fold-flat position according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-6C are schematic perspective views of a seat back in a reclinedposition with an interlock for a seat recliner mechanism according toanother exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic perspective views of the interlock for aseat recliner mechanism of FIG. 6A in the reclined position according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic elevation view of the interlock for a seatrecliner mechanism of FIG. 6A in the reclined position according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic perspective views of the interlock for aseat recliner mechanism of FIG. 6A in the full-forward positionaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic views of the interlock for a seatrecliner mechanism of FIG. 6A in the fold-flat position according to anexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-10A illustrate exemplary embodiments of a component or assemblyshown as an interlock device for a seat recliner mechanism for use inreleasably locking the position of a seatback in one or more desiredpositions in a vehicle (e.g., automobiles such as cars, trucks, sportutility vehicles, minivans, buses, and the like; airplanes, boats,etc.). The interlock device may be provided in a wide variety of sizes,shapes, and configurations, and with various accessories or hardware forcooperating with a seat recliner mechanism to releasably lock a vehicleseatback in any desired position in the vehicle or improving itsfunctionality according to various exemplary embodiments. The interlockdevice is shown and described for use with a seat recliner mechanism ofa single pivot axis type, but may be used with recliner mechanismshaving multiple seatback pivot axes. Accordingly, all suchconfigurations are intended to be within the scope of the inventions.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a component assembly shown as an interlockdevice 10 for a seat recliner assembly 12 is shown according to oneexemplary embodiment. Interlock device 10 includes a lock plate 20 (e.g.slide bar, etc.), a stop bracket 40, an actuator (shown as handle member50) and a biasing device (e.g. spring 60 shown as a coil-type springcoupled between a seatback frame and the lock plate). Lock plate 20 isshown coupled to a seat back frame 14 by a pair of slotted apertures 22engaging a pair of projections (shown as posts 24). Apertures 22 areintended to guide the axially-reciprocating, sliding movement of lockplate 20 between a locked position and a released position. Lock plate20 is also shown to include a projection (shown as a pin member 26)configured to engage a lever 52 extending from handle 50 to “shift” lockplate 20 from the locked position to the released position when handle50 is activated.

Referring further to FIGS. 1-5, stop bracket 40 is shown as a generallyL-shaped member fixed to a seat bottom frame 16 and having a curvedprofile configured to correspond generally to curved surface 18 ofseatback frame 14. The width W of stop bracket 40 and the location ofstop bracket 40 on the seat bottom frame 16 are intended to permitestablishing a “first interlock” at a full-forward position of seatbackframe 14 (see FIG. 3) and a “second interlock” at a fold-flat positionof seatback frame 14 (see FIG. 5). In the locked position, lock plate 20extends outwardly from curved surface 18 a sufficient amount to engage afirst end 42 of stop bracket 40 when seat back frame 14 is in the fullforward position. The interaction of lock plate 20 and first end 42 ofthe fixed stop bracket (see FIG. 3) is intended to create a firstinterlock that substantially prevents further movement of seatback frame14 beyond the full-forward position (e.g. to prevent inadvertent“collapse” or “closure” of the seatback frame into a “clamshell”configuration) during adjustment of the seatback frame within the normalseat-use range.

According to the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, handle 50 is shownas a “single” or “integrated” handle (which may or may not include anextension or “grip portion” 54 shown for example as a “strap” in FIG.2B) intended to operate both seat recliner mechanism 12 and theinterlock device 10. Handle 50 is shown to include a grip portion 54(see FIGS. 2B and 4C) and a lever portion 52 that are pivotally movableabout an axis of the seat recliner mechanism. Grip portion 54 may bemoved within a first range to a first position shown as corresponding toa first distance D1 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) to release the seat reclinermechanism and permit adjustment of seatback frame 14 within the seat-userange. In the event that a user desires to fold seatback frame 14forward, beyond the full-forward position and into the fold-flatposition, grip portion 54 may be moved within a second range to a secondposition shown as corresponding to a second distance D2, in which theseat recliner mechanism remains released and lever portion 52 engagespin member 26 so that lock plate 20 is shifted from the locked positionto the released position to permit further forward movement of seatbackframe 14 (shown according to the exemplary embodiment as movement in aclockwise direction). As seatback frame 14 is moved toward the fold-flatposition, spring 60 biases lock plate 20 toward the locked position sothat when seatback frame 14 reaches the fold-flat position, lock plate20 shifts into the locked position and engages a second end 44 of stopbracket 40 to create a second interlock intended to prevent movement ofseatback frame from the fold-flat position until handle 50 is activated(see FIGS. 4C and 5). Referring further to FIG. 5, curved surface 18 onseatback frame 14 is shown to include a stop tab 19 positioned tocontact first end 42 of stop bracket 40 to prevent forward movementbeyond the fold-flat position. Upon activation of handle 50 into thesecond range (D2), lock plate 20 disengages second end 44 of stopbracket 40 so that seatback frame 14 is movable to the seat-use range(shown according to the exemplary embodiment as movement in acounterclockwise direction), until seatback frame 14 reaches thefull-forward position and spring 60 biases lock plate 20 into the lockedposition to reestablish the first interlock with first end 42 of stopbracket 40.

According to alternative embodiments, the orientation of the lock plateand stop bracket on the seatback frame and seat bottom frame may bereversed. Also, the spring may be any suitable spring for biasing thelock plate in an intended direction. Further, lock plate may beconfigured as a pivoting member for engaging the stop bracket to providethe first interlock in the full-forward position and the secondinterlock in the fold-flat position. The seat-use range between thefull-reclined position and the full forward position may have anysuitable angular range as desired for a particular vehicle application(e.g. approximately 15 degrees, etc.). According to another alternativeembodiment, the interlock device may be configured to provide additionalinterlocks at other predetermined seatback positions. For example, thestop bracket may be provided with intermediate recesses configured toreceive an end of the lock plate, or the stop bracket may be provided intwo or more segments.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the interlock devicehaving a single or “common” handle is intended to permit a user toadjust the positioning of the seatback within a normal adjustment (i.e.seat-use range) by moving the handle in a first manner (e.g. a firstdistance), and to permit a user to move the seatback beyond the seat-userange and lock the seatback in a fold flat position (such as to providea cargo storage platform, etc.) by moving the handle in a second manner(e.g. a second distance, beyond the first distance). The width andlocation of the stop bracket are intended to establish interlocks withthe lock plate when the seatback is in the full-forward position toavoid unintended seat “collapse” or “fold-shut” and in the fold-flatposition to prevent unintended lifting of the seatback from the cargostorage platform to maintain a uniform platform surface. The singlehandle is intended to provide, among other features, a relatively simpledevice that is easily actuated by a user to operate the reclinermechanism and the interlock device.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-10B, a component assembly shown as an interlockdevice 110 for a seat recliner assembly 112 is shown according toanother exemplary embodiment. The interlock of the embodiment of FIGS.6A-10B is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 but hasbeen modified to provide a two handle operation design. Interlock device110 is shown to include a lock plate 120 (e.g. slide bar, etc.), a stopbracket 140, a first (seat recliner) actuator (shown as handle member150), a second (interlock) actuator (shown as handle member or latch170) and a biasing device (e.g. spring 160 shown as a coil-type springcoupled between a seatback frame 114 and lock plate 120). Lock plate 120is shown coupled to seat back frame 114 by a pair of slotted apertures122 engaging a pair of projections (shown as posts 124). Apertures 122are intended to guide the axially-reciprocating, sliding movement oflock plate 120 between a locked position and a released position. Lockplate 120 is also shown to include a projection (shown as a pin member126) configured to engage a lever 152 extending from first handle 150 to“release” the seat recliner mechanism when the second handle or latch170 is activated to move lock plate 120 from the locked position to thereleased position so that seatback 114 may be moved.

First handle member 150 is shown having an actuating device (shown forexample as a “pull strap” 154 in FIGS. 8 and 9B) configured to releasethe seat recliner mechanism to adjust seatback 114 within the seat-userange with lock plate 120 engaging a first end 142 of stop bracket 140to prevent seatback movement beyond the full-forward position, as shownin FIG. 9B. According to the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, whenfirst handle 150 is activated to adjust the seatback within its normaluse range, lever portion 152 moves in a direction away from pin 126 onlock plate 120 (shown according to the illustrated embodiment asmovement in a counterclockwise direction).

Second handle member or latch 170 is shown to operably engage lock plate120 through an extension cable 172 to shift lock plate 120 between thelocked position and the released position. When a user desired torelease either the first interlock (see FIG. 9B) or the second interlock(see FIG. 10B) to permit seat back 114 to be moved to/from thefull-forward position and the fold-flat position, activation of secondhandle or latch 170 shifts lock plate 120 from the locked position tothe released position, and in so doing, pin 126 engages lever 152 toactivate first handle 150 and release the seat recliner mechanism sothat seatback 114 is movable to a position desired by the user.

According to the exemplary embodiment with the two handle operationdesign, the first handle is intended to permit a user to access onedevice (e.g. strap, lever, push-button, etc.) in one location forpositioning the seat within the normal seat-use range, and to access aseparate, second device (e.g. grab-handle, lift-handle, lever, etc.) todisengage an interlock to permit movement of the seatback to/from thefull-forward position of the seat-use range and the fold-flat position(e.g. for cargo storage, etc.).

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the interlock deviceas shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Althoughonly a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described indetail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review thisdisclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible(e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes andproportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements of hardware and accessories, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. It should be noted that the elementsand/or assemblies of the interlock device may be constructed from any ofa wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength ordurability in any of a wide variety of colors, textures andcombinations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissionsmay be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of thepreferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from thescope of the present inventions.

The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied orre-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, anymeans-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures describedherein as performing the recited function and not only structuralequivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design,operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the presentinventions as expressed in the appended claims.

1. An interlock device for use with a seat control mechanism on avehicle seat having a seat frame and a seat back pivotally coupled to aseat bottom; the interlock device comprising: a lock plate slidablycoupled to the seat back for movement in a single linear directionrelative to the seat back between a locked position and a releasedposition; a stop bracket fixed to the seat bottom and having a first endengageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seat backis in a full-forward position and a second end engageable with the lockplate in the locked position when the seat back is in a fold-flatposition; and an actuator operable to move the lock plate from thelocked position to the released position to release the lock plate andpermit movement of the seat back between the full-forward position andthe fold-flat position; wherein, after the actuator is released, thelock plate is biased toward the locked position such that the lock plateengages with the first end of the stop bracket in the locked positionwhen the seat back is in the full-forward position and the lock plateengages with the second end of the stop bracket in the locked positionwhen the seat back is in the fold-flat position, and wherein the lockplate is configured to be coupled to the seat back by a pair of slottedapertures engaging a pair of projections positionally fixed on the seatback.
 2. The interlock device of claim 1 wherein the actuator comprisesa handle having a grip portion and a lever portion.
 3. The interlockdevice of claim 2, wherein the lock plate includes a pin member, andwherein the lever portion of the handle is operable to engage the pinmember and move the lock plate from the locked position to the releasedposition.
 4. The interlock device of claim 1 further comprising abiasing device arranged to bias the lock plate toward the lockedposition.
 5. The interlock device of claim 1 wherein the stop bracketcomprises an L shaped bracket with a curved profile.
 6. The interlockdevice of claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises an extension cablecoupled to the lock plate and a handle.
 7. The interlock device of claim1 wherein the lock plate is configured such that the movement of thelock plate in the linear direction does not exert a force causingrotational movement of the seat back.
 8. An interlock device for a seatrecliner mechanism of a vehicle seat, comprising: a lock plate slidablycoupled to a seat back frame for movement in a single linear directionrelative to the seat back frame; a stop bracket coupled to a seat bottomframe; an actuator operable to move the lock plate from a lockedposition relative to the stop bracket to a released position relative tothe stop bracket so that the seat back is movable between a full-forwardposition and a fold-flat position; and a biasing device configured toreturn the lock plate to the locked position relative to the stopbracket when the seat back is moved to the full-forward position andconfigured to return the lock plate to the locked position relative tothe stop bracket when the seat back is moved to the fold-flat position,wherein the lock plate is configured to be coupled to the seat backframe by a pair of slotted apertures engaging a pair of projectionspositionally fixed on the seat back frame.
 9. The interlock device ofclaim 8 wherein the actuator comprises a single handle configured tomove a first distance to permit adjustment of the recliner mechanism anda second distance to release the lock plate from the stop bracket. 10.The interlock device of claim 8 wherein the slotted apertures areconfigured to guide the lock plate in a reciprocating manner between thelocked position and the released position.
 11. The interlock device ofclaim 8 wherein the stop bracket has a first end configured to abut thelock plate when the seat back is in the full-forward position to definea first interlock.
 12. The interlock device of claim 11 wherein the stopbracket has a second end configured to abut the lock plate when the seatback is in the fold-flat position to define a second interlock.
 13. Theinterlock device of claim 8 wherein the actuator comprises a firsthandle configured to move a first distance to permit adjustment of therecliner mechanism within a range up to the full-forward position, and asecond handle operable to release the lock plate from the stop bracketand permit adjustment of the seat back beyond the full-forward position.14. The interlock device of claim 13 wherein the first handle comprisesa pull strap, and the second handle comprises a cable having a first endcoupled to a latch and a second end coupled to the lock plate.
 15. Theinterlock device of claim 8 wherein the lock plate is configured suchthat the movement of the lock plate in the linear direction does notexert a force causing rotational movement of the seat back frame.